An Asian American Birthday Tea
Another year, another birthday! Every January, I throw myself a birthday party as a way of kicking off the next trip around the sun. In the past few years, I have hosted a moody dinner party, spoon carving, pottery, my 10-year business anniversary, a plant party, a Victorian-modern tea party, a gathering all about gatherings, and most recently, a shibori dye zoom party that culminated in this community-made quilt.
This year, I re-visited the birthday tea, but pared down to just 8 people in attendance, and with a distinctly Asian American take on the tea party concept. Everything was thoughtfully sourced from other local small businesses. The teas were Taiwanese teas from a local shop called Teappo; we included Taiwanese pineapple cakes from Jason Bakes in SF; the pastries were from my friend Joyce at Bake Sum in Oakland; and Josh helped me DIY some sandwiches that included a kaya toast and a pork floss sando.
All of the paper goods were designed by my good friend Do-Hee.
Do-Hee also arrived early to put together the whole streamer background. We served loose leaf teas, mostly Taiwanese oolongs, from Teappo.
The gorgeous flowers were from my friend Amanda out of her new brick & mortar in SF, Francis & Frances.
Almost all of the teawares and dishes were provided by my friend Do-Hee as well. This whole party really wouldn’t have happened without Do-Hee.
Pineapple cakes from Jason Bakes! And genmaicha and lychee rose macarons from Bake Sum.
Egg salad sandos on the bottom tier, made by me and Josh, and mini okonomiyaki pastries (a big hit) from Bake Sum on the top tier.
Such a fun spread!
Joyce has supplied the cakes for my parties for years now. I was delighted to continue the tradition, this time with a yuzu meringue chiffon cake. So tart and tasty! Plus, the most beautiful chocolates provided by Kimberly from Formosa Chocolates. I chose three of her Taiwanese-influenced flavors: kavalan whiskey, passionfruit, and Formosa Coffee. Each couple got a box to take home.
One final photo with everyone who came! Thank you all!
Vendors:
Photographer / Birthday Girl: Anna Wu Photography
Paper Goods: Do-Hee Kim
Flowers: Francis & Frances
Linens: Napa Valley Linens
Cake & Pastries: Bake Sum
Pineapple cakes: Jason Bakes
Teas: Teappo
Chocolates: Formosa Chocolates
Anna Wu is a wedding and portrait photographer based in San Francisco. She creates beautiful, soft, and timeless imagery while capturing the most fleeting of moments. View her work at annawu.com, follow her daily adventures on instagram, or contact her to book your own session today.